A new bill in Georgia is setting the stage for stronger social protections for the Public Defender and their staff — a move lawmakers say is long overdue.
A Push for Equal Protections
Lawmakers from the ruling Georgian Dream party are pushing to extend the same protections enjoyed by public servants to the Public Defender’s Office. The proposal, now before Parliament, aims to cover the 130 employees within the office, granting them safeguards similar to those under the Public Service Law.
At the heart of the bill is a mandatory state insurance package. This would ensure coverage for staff in cases of injury or death during official duties. According to the bill’s backers, the cost per employee would range between 1,900 and 2,300 GEL per year — about 160 to 190 GEL per month.
Supporters argue that these protections are not just necessary but essential. They highlight that the Public Defender’s Office serves a unique and critical function in protecting human rights, often putting staff in emotionally taxing and physically dangerous situations.
Recognizing the Risks
Employees in the Public Defender’s Office routinely deal with vulnerable groups and investigate human rights violations. This often involves visiting high-risk environments — places where physical safety isn’t guaranteed and emotional resilience is constantly tested.
The bill’s supporters stress that the nature of the job exposes staff to:
- Mental stress
- Physical strain
- Burnout
These risks, they argue, are unavoidable given the Office’s mandate. By offering stronger social protections, the proposed law aims to soften the impact of these challenges, ensuring that staff aren’t left to bear the costs — physically, emotionally, or financially — of their work.
Keeping Staff Supported and Motivated
The proposal goes beyond immediate protection. It also focuses on keeping the workforce motivated and resilient. Lawmakers say improved social benefits, including health insurance and welfare assistance, could help ease work-related stress.
A less stressed, more secure workforce, they argue, means employees can stay focused on their mission: defending the rights of Georgia’s most vulnerable. In turn, this could enhance the Office’s overall performance.
One supporter of the bill noted that, without these protections, high turnover and burnout could weaken the Office’s ability to perform. “We can’t afford to lose dedicated professionals simply because they don’t feel supported,” they said.
A Step Toward Strengthening Human Rights
For many, this proposal is about more than just benefits — it’s about ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of the Public Defender’s Office itself.
Human rights advocates argue that a well-supported, stable workforce is vital for the Office to maintain its independence and effectiveness. Without these safeguards, they warn, the country’s ability to uphold human rights could suffer.
Whether Parliament passes the bill remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the conversation about protecting those who protect others has begun — and it’s one Georgia can’t ignore.
